Fragrance Review - Elysium by Roja Dove

Last year, when I first decided I wanted to learn more about fragrances, I thought that designer was the best you could get. I had no idea that there was additional tiers to try. I attended a couple of launches from fragrance houses I’d never heard of, but what I experienced blew my mind. This was my introduction into the world of ‘niche fragrances’.

This time last year, out of he blue, I received an email asking if I wanted to try the new offering from Roja Dove... Elysium.

This is the most expensive scent in my collection, and has one of the most extensive note breakdowns. I’ve always been a fan of fruity notes like bergamot and grapefruit, although at the time I received this, I didn’t yet know which notes I liked. Check out my blog about how I taught myself here.

The presentation of Elysium is stunning. The outer box is a hard sleeve, with gold foil debossing. Inside, the bottle sits snugly within a dark flocked insert. Compared to the majority of designer fragrances, this attention to detail really gives a premium feel.

The bottle itself weighs a tonne. The cap is also a heavy unit, and features Roja Dove’s signature on the top and side. There’s no mistaking the nose behind this fragrance.

The thing I like most on the bottle is that is says ‘Made in England’ on the back. It reminds me of days past when we used to build magnificent features of engineering. Heritage is important.

The first time I sprayed this, I was amazed at the complexity. There’s a lot going on, in a good way. I should mention that this has one of the best atomisers I’ve experienced. It gives a really good even spray, which a lot of the cheaper designer fragrances struggle to do consistently. The more I’ve worn Elysium (and I wear it a lot!), the more I pick out the individual notes.

Described as an ultra-fresh fougere, I love the sharpness of the citrus and how it balances with the freshness from the other fruity notes. Unlike most other fresh and fruity fragrances, I don’t actually think Elysium should be restricted to the warmer summer months. The wood, Musk and leather in the base make it wearable all year round, which I have been doing.

The thing that really makes this stand out for me, compared to the other fragrances I own, is that this smells far less synthetic than the designer equivalents. It feels like there’s actual fruit juice in this bottle. Who knows, maybe there really is? Either way, Elysium has definitely made me aware of a wider fragrance world, and I’m super thankful to have received this bottle to try.

Elysium by Roja is formulated in Parfum Cologne or Parfum. I was sent the Parfum Cologne version. It’s available from RojaParfums.com or stores likeHarrods and Selfridges.